"Coming Correct": Conducting Community Engagement Studios to Adapt Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for the Chronic Pain-Depression Comorbidity Among Older Black Adults.
Tony V Pham, Kozbi Bayne, Defne Yucebas, Nia Stewart, Denise Altagracia Taveras, Nomin Enkhtsetseg, Michael Kincade, Ana-Maria Vranceanu
Journal of clinical psychology in medical settings June 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s10880-026-10153-0 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractOlder Black adults with chronic pain and depression found mindfulness-based cognitive therapy acceptable when adapted for cultural resonance, physical limitations, and faith. Through community engagement sessions with 20 participants aged 51-84, three themes emerged: acceptance of mindfulness when tailored to language and physical needs, importance of culturally grounded instructors, and preference for flexible delivery options. The findings suggest MBCT is feasible for this population with appropriate adaptations.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 20 |
| Population | Older Black adults in Boston (ages 51-84) with chronic pain and mild to moderate depressive symptoms |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
| Topics | Depression |
| Keywords | African americans Chronic pain Community-engaged research Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy |
| Key finding | Older Black adults with comorbid chronic pain and depression find MBCT acceptable when adapted for cultural resonance, physical limitations, and faith. |
Abstract
Older Black adults experience disproportionately high rates of chronic pain (CP) and depression, yet inequities in access, recognition, and culturally resonant treatment persist. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based group intervention for depression with emerging promise for CP. However, adaptations for older Black adults with comorbid CP-depression remain underexplored. Guided by cultural intervention adaptation and community engagement principles, we conducted four Community Engagement Studios with 20 older Black adults in Boston (ages 51-84), all reporting CP (≥ 3 months) and mild to moderate depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 15). Participants reviewed MBCT content and reflected on cultural relevance, barriers, and facilitators. Through thematic analysis of recorded transcripts, we identified themes pertaining to their perceptions of MBCT. Three themes emerged: (1) nuanced acceptance of mindfulness practices when adapted to faith, physical limitations, and language; (2) importance of instructors who are grounded in respect and shared cultural context; and (3) preference for flexible, sustainable delivery (community-based, hybrid options, shorter sessions). Our findings highlight MBCT's feasibility for older Black adults with the CP-depression comorbidity when adapted for cultural resonance, accessibility, and sustainability. Results will directly inform our adaptation of MBCT for the CP-depression comorbidity among older Black adults.